AGP Executive Report

Sports Funding: The National Gaming Control Board has backed Papua New Guinea kickboxing with a K300,000 grant for the PNG Kickboxing Federation’s Last Man Standing Series, aiming to boost youth participation, discipline and talent spotting nationwide. Rugby League (Kumuls): PNG international Dan Russell says he’s pushing for another Rugby League World Cup call-up with the PNG Kumuls, while Jacks Retail has launched official Kumuls merchandise in Port Moresby ahead of the 2026 tournament. Rugby League (Oro comeback): Rugby league is returning to Oro after nine years, with plans to rebuild from schools and improve facilities, backed by local leaders. Governance & Corruption: PNG Law Society president Hubert Namani renewed calls to empower anti-corruption institutions and lift prosecution rates, warning corruption is still crippling basic services. Bougainville Roadmap: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama set out a timetable for self-government in 2027 and independence in 2030, grounding the plan in the Bougainville Peace Agreement and PNG’s constitution. Health & Trade: Bird flu concerns in Australia are driving tighter regional vigilance, with PNG previously restricting Australian poultry imports amid H5N1 detections.

Bougainville Independence Roadmap: Autonomous Bougainville Government President Ishmael Toroama has laid out a three-stage pathway toward self-government and eventual independence, aiming for self-government from 1 Sept 2027 and independence in 2030, while stressing the final call still rests with PNG Parliament under the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Governance & Political Process: PNG Prime Minister James Marape reiterated that Bougainville’s status decisions must follow constitutional mechanisms, warning against bypassing the agreed process even as Bougainville leaders push timelines. Maritime & Skills: On Seafarers’ Day, PNG maritime leaders highlighted the need to restore PNG Maritime College’s international recognition to boost the global employability of PNG seafarers. Housing & Redevelopment: New Britain’s Housing Authority secured a $2.67m grant to redevelop the former Mount Pleasant public housing site into mixed-income housing. Women’s Rugby League: PNGNRLC hosted the 2026 Santos Cup Coaches Conference in Port Moresby to lift standards in women’s rugby league through coach training and modern performance tools. Youth, Jobs & Services: Opposition leader James Nomane urged urgent government action to harness PNG’s youth bulge, arguing governance failures are leaving many young people without opportunities. Tourism Numbers: PNG tourism contributed about US$244m to the economy in 2025 as arrivals recovered, though average spending per visitor fell. Energy Investment: Marape welcomed the start of a major offshore drilling campaign near Kupiano led by TotalEnergies and Petronas, with expected investment of US$100m–US$200m.

Women’s Rugby League: PNGNRLC hosted the 2026 Santos Cup Coaches Conference in Port Moresby, bringing together head and assistant coaches to sharpen game-day, physical performance, media skills and modern analysis tools like Hudl. Youth & Governance: Opposition MP James Nomane says PNG’s youth bulge could become a jobs crisis unless government fixes a “governance crisis” behind failing schools, medicine shortages and weak public safety. SME Push: Alotau District SMEs are using PNG SME Week Agritrade Expo in Port Moresby to reach bigger markets, backed by MP Vicky Morris. Energy & Investment: PNG welcomed a new offshore drilling campaign near Kupiano as TotalEnergies and Petronas begin work with the Viking rig, signalling confidence in the sector. Bougainville Process: PM James Marape reiterated that Bougainville’s political future must go through PNG’s constitutional process, even as ABG outlines a staged path toward self-government and independence. Education Expansion: New facilities and international links are boosting higher education, including a 32-bed medical student dormitory in Lae and talks with Malaysia’s Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS. Sports Leadership: A Business of Sport in PNG course trained 30 leaders on governance and commercial skills to grow the sector. Infrastructure Access: Four new bridges in Madang, New Ireland, West Sepik and West New Britain are restoring safer routes to schools, health services and markets. Environment & Science: Researchers formally identified a new “walking shark” species off PNG, adding to the rare reef-dwelling Hemiscyllium group.

Mining Deal Watch: Newmont says Lihir gold is “relatively independent” from geopolitical mineral fights, while Wafi-Golpu is in final contract talks for a Special Mining Lease and a roughly $4.5b build—aimed at a 40-year copper future for PNG. Finance Reform: Tisa’s open-banking push gets a strong endorsement as a way to modernise services, cut costs, and expand access—if PNG keeps cybersecurity and consumer safeguards tight. Anti-Corruption Pressure: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird urges Icac to probe parliamentary travel allowances and wider budget oversight, arguing billions remain outside scrutiny. Infrastructure Access: Four new bridges in Madang, New Ireland, West Sepik and West New Britain are restoring safer routes to schools, health services and markets. Biosecurity & Trade: PNG bans Australian poultry and eggs over H5N1 detected in wild seabirds in WA, with the move later paused with exemptions after Australia says its poultry system remains free. Bougainville Roadmap: ABG presents a final independence timeline—self-government preparations to Sept 1, 2027, with independence targeted for 2030—while PM Marape insists only PNG’s constitutional process can decide the future. Sports & Community: Hekari arrives in Honiara for the OFC Women’s Champions League; PNG Chiefs funding concerns resurface; and the PM’s corporate golf challenge in Lae raises K87,000 for Team PNG. Science Spotlight: Researchers formally identify a new “walking shark” species off PNG, adding to the rare reef-dwelling Hemiscyllium group.

PNGDF Gender & Family Focus: The PNG Defence Force says it has stepped up work on gender equality and family welfare through its Directorate of Gender, Peace and Security, including training for gender focal points and advisors. Bougainville Independence Roadmap: Bougainville leaders have set out a final political pathway: self-government preparations until Sept 1, 2027, then self-government, with independence targeted for 2030—while Prime Minister James Marape says only PNG’s constitutional process can decide the future. Bird Flu Shockwave: PNG has suspended Australian poultry and egg imports after H5N1 was detected in wild birds in Western Australia, with the ban later paused with exemptions, as Australia expands surveillance. Bougainville Emergency Services Call: A Bougainville MP is pushing for fire and rescue services in urban centres after a major shop fire in Arawa. Dry Season Preparedness: Marape orders provinces and districts to prepare for a potentially severe El Niño dry season, including tailored drought response planning. Governance & Integrity: ICAC is urging Morobe businesses to lead on honesty and accountability, while the IRC and Central government extend district-level revenue work via a new MoU. Infrastructure & Services: Kiunga Airport runway restrictions continue during upgrades, and a new K265,770 multipurpose school hall has been commissioned in remote Bougainville.

Bougainville Politics: Bougainville’s elected leaders reaffirm unity and a peaceful, lawful path to independence, while Bougainville Regional MP Peter Tsiamalili Jr pushes for a “Melanesian covenant” to shape the long-term relationship with PNG. Bougainville Referendum Process: East New Britain is preparing nationwide consultations for the Parliamentary Bipartisan Committee on the Bougainville referendum and parliament ratification process. Disaster Preparedness: Prime Minister James Marape orders provinces and districts to prepare for a potentially “most severe” dry season as El Niño develops, with Cabinet reviewing how funding can reach local governments faster. Governance & Accountability: The Ombudsman Commission highlights the need for a strong appointment as Chief Ombudsman Commissioner Richard Pagen’s term ends, stressing continuity and independence. Public Safety in Bougainville: Tsiamalili calls for fire and rescue services in urban centres after a damaging fire in Arawa. Banking & Inclusion: Kina Bank upgrades Corporate Online Banking for multi-currency transfers and bulk payments; Wau-Waria launches Women’s Micro Bank access and training; Nasfund backs BPNG’s reminder on employer/employee superannuation contributions. Sports & Community: Ba Women’s depart for the Solomon Islands for the OFC Women’s Champions League; PomNA completes Round 1; PNG Chiefs’ 2028 NRL entry is framed as a talent pathway for the Pacific. Business/Local Innovation: A Central Province poultry farm wins an Innovation PNG award for using black soldier fly larvae to cut feed costs.

Bougainville Independence: ABG and Bougainville MPs reaffirm unity and a peaceful, lawful path toward independence, citing the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the “Bougainville Way” after a leadership meeting in Kokopo. Disaster Preparedness: PM James Marape orders provinces and districts to prepare now for a possible extraordinary, prolonged Dry Season as El Niño develops, with Cabinet looking at funding and administrative support. Bougainville Referendum Consultations: East New Britain will host nationwide consultations for the Bougainville referendum and National Parliament ratification process, with the Parliamentary Bipartisan Committee leading discussions and provinces/districts handling venues and safety. Maritime Security: Australia will arm PNG’s four new Guardian-class patrol boats under the Pacific Maritime Security Programme, with training and support included. Mining & Clean Minerals Tech: A US scientist says PNG could speed copper and nickel discovery using fine-grain soil analysis, and share high-tech mineral tracing methods to meet “clean minerals” demands. Governance & Police: Police Minister Sir John Pundari urges transparency in promotion selections, stressing rank should mean public safety, not connections. Business & Sport: Nasfund backs BPNG’s superannuation compliance notice; PM’s corporate golf challenge raises K87,000 for Team PNG.

Bougainville Independence Process: PM James Marape says Parliament must ratify the 2019 independence referendum and either way a negotiated transition could run up to 15 years, with conditions like internal revenue, peace and stability. City Infrastructure Scrutiny: Port Moresby residents and advocates are calling for a halt and redesign review of new footbridges near Gordon Market and Erima, warning past “white elephant” bridges were built too steep and unusable for elderly and wheelchair users. Police Promotions Integrity: Police Minister Sir John Pundari urged the new promotions board to rank officers by merit and performance, warning against connections and politics over patrols. Mining & Clean Minerals Tech: A US scientist says PNG could speed copper and nickel discovery by analyzing fine soil grains, and the US can share mineral tracing tools to meet “clean minerals” demands. Maritime Security Boost: Australia will arm PNG’s Guardian-class patrol boats with training under a long-running maritime security programme. Health & Education: NCD Governor Parkop urged people to take charge of their health during International Yoga Day, while Unitech in Lae opened a 100-bed female dorm to ease overcrowding and expand access for women in technical fields. Biodiversity Funding: PNG secured global biodiversity funding for community-led conservation across three Highlands provinces. Science Discovery: Researchers report a new “walking shark” species found off southeastern Papua New Guinea.

Bougainville Transition Talks: Prime Minister James Marape says Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum will be decided by Parliament, with a possible negotiated transition of up to 15 years and conditions including peace, no armed violence and Bougainville funding at least 70% of its budget. Police Promotions: Police Minister Sir John Pundari urges the 2026 RPNGC Promotion Board to promote on merit, performance and integrity—not connections—warning that politics in promotions undermines policing nationwide. Health & Prevention: NCD Governor Powes Parkop marks International Yoga Day by urging people to take responsibility for their own health through exercise and consistent routines. Conservation Funding: PNG secures Global Biodiversity Framework Fund approval for community-led conservation across 700,000 hectares in three Highlands provinces, led by CEPA with FAO support. Banking Access: Tisa Bank opens a new Kavieng branch in New Ireland, while Wau-Waria in Morobe gains a Mama Bank access point to restore formal banking access. Sports & Youth: IBSU hosts the 2026 Intervarsity Touch Rugby Competition in Port Moresby, and Unitech opens a 100-bed female dorm in Lae to ease campus overcrowding. Corruption Push: Transparency International PNG’s Richard Kassman backs the Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption message: integrity and action start with everyday choices.

Conservation Breakthrough: A nighttime hand-catch off southeastern Papua New Guinea has led scientists to formally name a new “walking” shark, Hemiscyllium dudgeonae (Dudgeon’s Walking Shark), a rare find that may be limited to a small area and is now flagged as important for conservation. Airport Security Crackdown: National Airports Corporation Aviation Security helped disrupt a gold smuggling syndicate at Port Moresby International Airport, intercepting a Chinese passenger and uncovering multiple concealed packets of gold, with further suspects identified and referred to police after a full sterile search. Public Health Warning: Morobe Provincial Health Authority has ordered a crackdown on illegal prescription drug sales in shops, markets and by street vendors, warning of penalties and urging the public to report offenders by 30 June. Integrity Push: Port Moresby’s 16th Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption urged students and agencies to build anti-corruption habits from everyday choices. Bougainville Mining Shock: The ABG revoked Bougainville Copper Limited’s Panguna exploration licence and granted a new 25-year Large Scale Mining Lease to Bougainville Minerals, shifting control of the historic copper-gold project. Banking Access: TISA Bank officially opened its Kavieng branch in New Ireland to expand financial services for families and businesses. Education & Sport: DWU in Madang confirmed as host of the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games (June 22–26).

Bougainville Mining Shake-Up: The ABG has revoked Bougainville Copper Limited’s Panguna exploration licence and granted a new 25-year large-scale mining lease to Bougainville Minerals, escalating the long-running fight over who controls the region’s copper-gold future. Airport Security Crackdown: PNG’s National Airports Corporation says it helped expose an organized gold smuggling syndicate at Port Moresby International Airport, with multiple suspects and gold packets seized after a passenger was intercepted. Health & Consumer Safety: Morobe Provincial Health Authority warns shops and street vendors against illegal prescription drug sales, saying enforcement under PNG medicines laws will begin and offenders could face fines and jail. Banking Access in New Ireland: TISA Bank officially opened its Kavieng branch, aiming to expand financial services for families and businesses across the province. Integrity Push: Students were urged to say no to corruption during the 16th Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption in Port Moresby. Sports & Community: DWU will host the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games in Madang, while Wan Fire kicked off in Port Moresby celebrating Melanesian music.

El Niño Readiness: PNG’s National Weather Service has declared El Niño conditions, and both the National Disaster and Emergency office and UPNG say they’re moving fast with water tanks, bore plans, and power backup to protect campus and communities. Safe Schools: PNG and Australia are supporting a revision of the Behaviour Management Policy to tackle bullying and school-related gender-based violence, with stronger focus on digital risks and inclusion. Bougainville Independence Clock: Fresh reporting revisits the 2019 independence vote and the stalled path through PNG Parliament, with leaders pushing for momentum toward a Sept 1, 2027 target. PNG LNG Biodiversity: ExxonMobil PNG marks 10 years of biodiversity work under the PNG LNG project, highlighting local conservation partnerships. Sports Spotlight: DWU in Madang will host the 2026 National University Soccer Games (June 22–26). Security & Trade: Authorities intercepted a gold-smuggling attempt on an Air Niugini flight from Port Moresby, seizing multiple concealed packets and expanding the investigation.

AI & Cybersecurity: Pacific leaders used the 2026 Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue to warn that faster digital change brings new risks like misinformation, online exploitation and harm to young people. Education Safety: PNG is revising its Behaviour Management Policy with PNG–Australia support to tackle bullying, school-related gender-based violence, and the growing influence of social media and AI. Sovereign Wealth Fund: Stakeholders in Port Moresby consulted on proposed amendments to the Organic Law for the Sovereign Wealth Fund, focusing on governance, accountability and how the fund will stabilise the economy and save for future generations. El Niño Preparedness: The National Weather Service declared El Niño conditions; provinces and UPNG are activating drought and water-supply contingency plans. Integrity & Elections: ICAC warned officials not to use public money or resources for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election. Crime & Security: Authorities intercepted a suspected gold-smuggling operation at Port Moresby, seizing gold hidden on a passenger and uncovering additional suspects during searches. Sports & Culture: Wan Fire kicked off in Port Moresby, while PNG’s Wan Squad heads to Sydney for an international dance league debut.

El Niño Readiness: PNG’s disaster minister Dr Billy Joseph says drought conditions are emerging in the Highlands and southern coastal areas, with a possible drought emergency flagged after multi-agency assessments. Campus Water Planning: UPNG has activated El Niño contingency measures after the National Weather Service confirmed conditions are established and could persist to end-2026, buying water tanks and exploring bore options. Health Funding Alert: WHO warns funding cuts could weaken the HIV response across Asia-Pacific, noting fast-growing epidemics including in Papua New Guinea. Integrity in Elections: ICAC tells officials not to use DSIP/PSIP funds, vehicles or public resources for General Election 2027 campaigns, promising tighter monitoring and faster action. Local Banking Expansion: TISA Bank opens a Kavieng branch in New Ireland to improve access for families, workers and small businesses. Sports & Talent Pathways: ITI formalises Lae corporate training MoUs; PNG’s 2028 NRL entry also gains momentum with Luke Burt appointed assistant coach for the PNG Chiefs. Maritime & Trade: PNG Ports pushes a 30-year master plan to modernise 15 ports, while PNG is among countries backing the Mombasa Declaration to fight illegal fishing. Science Spotlight: Researchers report a new “walking shark” species from Milne Bay, a rare find that may be at risk.

NRL 2028 Push: PNG’s bid for an NRL entry in 2028 is gaining momentum, with Luke Burt appointed as assistant coach for the incoming PNG Chiefs and the SP PNG Hunters stepping up recruitment to strengthen the talent pipeline. Fisheries Crackdown: Papua New Guinea joined 14 countries adopting the Mombasa Declaration at the Our Ocean Conference, backing stronger fisheries transparency and action against illegal fishing. El Niño Watch: The PNG National Weather Service confirmed El Niño has developed, warning of drier conditions ahead and potential drought impacts across vulnerable provinces. Integrity in Morobe: ICAC held a business breakfast in Lae as it ramps up efforts to strengthen integrity and ethical governance at the provincial level. Health Access: UPNG and Pacific International Hospital signed a three-year partnership to expand healthcare access, including discounted services and preventive programs for students and staff. Community & Culture: Coca-Cola backed the Rosso Mountain Bike Race and Lae Festival with K25,000, while WAN FIRE Music Festival arrivals brought Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu artists to Port Moresby. Environment & Safety: Ok Tedi says operations are unaffected by dry weather and low Fly River levels, with alternative supply routes being reviewed.

Bougainville–PNG Tensions: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama says PNG’s parliament breached the Melanesian Agreement after adopting a sessional order on how MPs will deliberate on the 2019 independence referendum result, arguing it was done without the required Speaker consent and against the deal’s “respect, good faith and partnership” principles. Regional Leadership: Vanuatu’s Dr Anna Naupa has been appointed the first woman and first ni-Vanuatu to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat, a historic shift after 40 years. Pacific Security & Defence: Australia and PNG reaffirmed support for the Pukpuk Treaty and backed wider Pacific security cooperation, with ministers pointing to the alliance as a model for regional stability. Fisheries Transparency Push: PNG is among 15 countries signing the Mombasa Declaration at the Our Ocean Conference, pledging better vessel data sharing and action against illegal fishing. Environment & Safety: Floating pumice from the Titan Ridge underwater eruption is disrupting boat travel in Manus, raising food-security and access concerns. Science Spotlight: Researchers have identified a new “walking” shark species in Papua New Guinea, known locally for waddling across reef flats at low tide. Business Climate: UNCTAD says PNG’s tariff cuts alone won’t boost competitiveness, citing transport costs, energy prices, regulatory complexity and policy uncertainty. Energy Outlook: PNG is exploring ways to supply oil and gas to Pacific island neighbours amid regional fuel-price pressures.